Late '13 christmas present - got my N420 roadster
Discussion
As a new member to this site and forum I want to introduce myself and share my happiness about my new toy.
On 14/01/06 I signed for a used carbon black N420 roadster 2010 (or is it a MY11?) with ~5300 miles (equals 8600 km). Last Monday it was delivered by some car transport service from the northern part of Germany to my home in the south-western part. For the time being I have to wait until March until I'm finally able to enjoy my new toy on the roads. I'm so happy and excited \o/
Here's a picture take at the time of delivery:
well, it's the black one.
A little history: Soon after the introduction of the Vantage I was more than certain that some day I will own one of these. It was more from the look and design than from the performance perspective. Initially in 2006 my budget was a big way short of buying a new one; in 2014 I'm still not willing or able to buy a new one either. Therefore I stayed with my long term car vendor from Munich and ordered a Z4M Coupe which I owned for 6 years. I sold it in September last year. btw, before that a Z3 3.0 Coupe - later upgraded with a supercharger - was my choice of having fun in the alps and my local country side (Black Forrest).
Knowing that a used Vantage might be an option I started to check with my local AM dealer(s) ~ 10 months ago. Initially I opted 100% for a manual and drove a 4.3l coupe and a 4.7l roadster. The 4.3 was out - not esp. in regard of the engine but more in terms of interior design and by rumor on reliability. Than something special happened: Vacation in the UAE. During my time in Abu Dhabi I signed for the Yaz Driving Experience on the F1 track with a Radical ... but no slots available during my stay. Only option was a SLS and the Vantage GT4. I took the Vantage with SS. Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything from the gearbox but in the end it was much fun to drive and I got a little bit used to it. A nice chat with may instructor from England who's with AM racing convinced me to also check for the SS option. Back in GY I decided to give the SS a try in a street version of a roadster. Well, after that it became an option for me. Also as 4.7l roadsters w/ manual are (very) hard to find over here. Why roadster? The vantage is IMO the only roadster that is close to the perfect shape of the/a coupe. I never demanded a roadster - until now. Might be my change in what I expect of a car that suits my age (*sigh*). During the last two years my Z4M felt too b
hy (<=oops) .
Will get back when I finally have the opportunity to provide more thoughts from my first rides, questions and if anyone is interested 'd provide more pics. Looking forward being part of this community.
And now my first question: Any (known) issues or best practices for connecting the iphone 5s with the MY10 or MY11 vantage bluetooth? Also, is it possible to get the 5s charged via the ipod kit in the N420 (provided I opt for the 30pin to lightning adapter)?
And btw, a special thank you to Grant for his book. Ordered it 11/2013 and I love it. It not only helped in knowing what to expect and getting used to all the improvements of the MY's it also gave a secure feeling when checking the N420 and also raised my demand in getting an AM fast.
pbs
On 14/01/06 I signed for a used carbon black N420 roadster 2010 (or is it a MY11?) with ~5300 miles (equals 8600 km). Last Monday it was delivered by some car transport service from the northern part of Germany to my home in the south-western part. For the time being I have to wait until March until I'm finally able to enjoy my new toy on the roads. I'm so happy and excited \o/
Here's a picture take at the time of delivery:
well, it's the black one.
A little history: Soon after the introduction of the Vantage I was more than certain that some day I will own one of these. It was more from the look and design than from the performance perspective. Initially in 2006 my budget was a big way short of buying a new one; in 2014 I'm still not willing or able to buy a new one either. Therefore I stayed with my long term car vendor from Munich and ordered a Z4M Coupe which I owned for 6 years. I sold it in September last year. btw, before that a Z3 3.0 Coupe - later upgraded with a supercharger - was my choice of having fun in the alps and my local country side (Black Forrest).
Knowing that a used Vantage might be an option I started to check with my local AM dealer(s) ~ 10 months ago. Initially I opted 100% for a manual and drove a 4.3l coupe and a 4.7l roadster. The 4.3 was out - not esp. in regard of the engine but more in terms of interior design and by rumor on reliability. Than something special happened: Vacation in the UAE. During my time in Abu Dhabi I signed for the Yaz Driving Experience on the F1 track with a Radical ... but no slots available during my stay. Only option was a SLS and the Vantage GT4. I took the Vantage with SS. Honestly, I wasn't expecting anything from the gearbox but in the end it was much fun to drive and I got a little bit used to it. A nice chat with may instructor from England who's with AM racing convinced me to also check for the SS option. Back in GY I decided to give the SS a try in a street version of a roadster. Well, after that it became an option for me. Also as 4.7l roadsters w/ manual are (very) hard to find over here. Why roadster? The vantage is IMO the only roadster that is close to the perfect shape of the/a coupe. I never demanded a roadster - until now. Might be my change in what I expect of a car that suits my age (*sigh*). During the last two years my Z4M felt too b
hy (<=oops) .Will get back when I finally have the opportunity to provide more thoughts from my first rides, questions and if anyone is interested 'd provide more pics. Looking forward being part of this community.
And now my first question: Any (known) issues or best practices for connecting the iphone 5s with the MY10 or MY11 vantage bluetooth? Also, is it possible to get the 5s charged via the ipod kit in the N420 (provided I opt for the 30pin to lightning adapter)?
And btw, a special thank you to Grant for his book. Ordered it 11/2013 and I love it. It not only helped in knowing what to expect and getting used to all the improvements of the MY's it also gave a secure feeling when checking the N420 and also raised my demand in getting an AM fast.
pbs
First, thx - Danke - for this warm welcome to the mad house, a first on topic answer 
and the first invite to a tour in my home turf.
As to the mad house: I think I'm a little bit used to this or will - fingers crossed. I work for US companies 15 yrs, have British customers and am a 10 year member of a (partly) insane BMW forum. Let's see how this will work out.
As for the questions:
The car above: I honestly don't know. Looks to me as some 50's (?) Formula car. There were two others (one Ferrari) that were on way to a museum in Italy. Truck drivers didn't know either.
Summer meeting: Yeah, why not? If I'm around. Drop me a note when you know your schedule. BF is a nice place to have some driving fun (for ~2 days). France (Elsass) - just a short drive from Freiburg/Waldkirch area btw - is different but also highly enjoyable. But please, more input on Rob - I'm scared now.
Cheers
and the first invite to a tour in my home turf.As to the mad house: I think I'm a little bit used to this or will - fingers crossed. I work for US companies 15 yrs, have British customers and am a 10 year member of a (partly) insane BMW forum. Let's see how this will work out.
As for the questions:
The car above: I honestly don't know. Looks to me as some 50's (?) Formula car. There were two others (one Ferrari) that were on way to a museum in Italy. Truck drivers didn't know either.
Summer meeting: Yeah, why not? If I'm around. Drop me a note when you know your schedule. BF is a nice place to have some driving fun (for ~2 days). France (Elsass) - just a short drive from Freiburg/Waldkirch area btw - is different but also highly enjoyable. But please, more input on Rob - I'm scared now.
Cheers
Quinny said:
Have you ever seen the episode of Fawlty Towers, when the folk from Germany came to visit??
Well Rob IS Basil Fawlty..
... And you are right to be scared
'That's NOT funny!'Well Rob IS Basil Fawlty..
... And you are right to be scared^L
epic. I remember some parts but have to refresh. After that I might opt-out ...
edit: placed citation marks :-)
Edited by Lionel014 on Friday 24th January 17:58
Lionel014 said:
That's NOT funny!
^L
epic. I remember some parts but have to refresh. After that I might opt-out ...
You'd be missing out^L
epic. I remember some parts but have to refresh. After that I might opt-out ...
When we did the JLC tour.... The best part for me was the German leg....... The food was epic
even yeti was full, and that's never happened before I can't wait to sample it again...Lionel014 said:
The car above: I honestly don't know. Looks to me as some 50's (?) Formula car. There were two others (one Ferrari) that were on way to a museum in Italy. Truck drivers didn't know either.
Summer meeting: Yeah, why not? If I'm around. Drop me a note when you know your schedule. BF is a nice place to have some driving fun (for ~2 days). France (Elsass) - just a short drive from Freiburg/Waldkirch area btw - is different but also highly enjoyable. But please, more input on Rob - I'm scared now.
Cheers
Hi Lionel & welcome to AM ownership - you are going to have lots of fun with that little beauty!Summer meeting: Yeah, why not? If I'm around. Drop me a note when you know your schedule. BF is a nice place to have some driving fun (for ~2 days). France (Elsass) - just a short drive from Freiburg/Waldkirch area btw - is different but also highly enjoyable. But please, more input on Rob - I'm scared now.
Cheers
Don't worry about Rob - I am his minder so you would meet me too. Don't listen to the others - he's lovely really & he always likes to do his bit for international relations
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